Former Red Sox closer Papelbon returns to Fenway Park for 1st time as visitor

Philadelphia Phillies' Jonathan Papelbon talks with reporters before a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox in Boston, Monday, May 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer) (The Associated Press)

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Philadelphia Phillies' Jonathan Papelbon, center, warms up with teammates before a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox in Boston, Monday, May 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer) (The Associated Press)

BOSTON – Jonathan Papelbon is back at Fenway Park for the first time since he left Boston for the Philadelphia Phillies.

Papelbon returned to Boston as a visitor on Monday night when the Phillies had an interleague game against the Red Sox. The colorful closer says he's hoping to get a chance to pitch in the two-game series.

Papelbon says he hopes the Red Sox fans understand why he left. He says he wanted to win in Philadelphia, just as he did in Boston.

The Red Sox played a tribute video showing highlights of Papelbon's career in Boston. Among the highlights were shots of him recording the last out in the team's 2007 World Series victory over the Colorado Rockies.